ISLAMABAD - Islamabad's iconic D-Chowk, long known as a battleground for political protests, witnessed a spectacular transformation on Sunday night as thousands of football fans gathered to watch Spain clinch its second FIFA World Cup title with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina .
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s D-Chowk in Islamabad was packed for Spain vs Argentina World Cup final.
- Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) July 19, 2026
Millions of Pakistanis watched Spain defeat Argentina in the final, and millions also witnessed the final World Cup match of Argentina’s GOAT, Lionel Messi who won the FIFA World Cup in 2022. pic.twitter.com/Gv86OBFX8M
The live screening, arranged by the Islamabad Capital Territory Police in collaboration with federal institutions on Pakistan's largest public screen, turned the venue into a celebration of sport and unity, drawing families, women, and children from across the city .
The atmosphere at D-Chowk was electric as supporters divided into rival camps. Spain's famous red shirts dominated the venue, with the No. 19 jersey of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal emerging as one of the most popular among young fans. At the same time, many supporters proudly wore the iconic No. 10 shirt in admiration of Lionel Messi .
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad praised the massive turnout, writing on X: "What a turnout, Islamabad" .
Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, pouncing on a bouncing ball in the box and burying a left-footed volley under the crossbar to give Spain its first World Cup title since 2010 .
Spain dominated possession throughout the match, keeping Argentina from recording a single shot on goal and becoming the first team to go 90 minutes without a shot in a World Cup final. The match was Spain's 38th straight victory, extending their record unbeaten streak .
The match marked what is likely the final World Cup appearance for Argentina's legendary captain Lionel Messi, who at 39 years old could not inspire his team to a second consecutive championship .
Messi, who scored eight goals in the tournament and provided four assists, was kept quiet throughout the match, touching the ball only 54 times as Spain's defense smothered him . After receiving his runner-up medal, tears rolled down his cheeks as he turned toward Argentina fans in the stands .
The screening was one of several public viewing events organized across Pakistan. Authorities had prepared a special traffic and parking plan to facilitate the expected large crowds, with food stalls and other facilities available at the venue .
For years, D-Chowk was known as the centre of political protests. On Sunday night, however, the iconic square echoed with cheers instead of slogans .
